Downham paceman Joss Stuart takes three wickets in an over to turn the game

Last season’s top two are already setting the pace in the battle for Norfolk Alliance Premier Division honours, with Fakenham and Downham Town both making it two wins on the trot.

Fakenham triumphed in their derby against newly-promoted Dereham with something to spare while Downham edged home by four runs in a reduced-overs match against Brooke.

Both North Runcton and Stow were left frustrated by the weather in their home games against Cromer and Diss respectively.

Downham beat Brooke

by 4 runs

Downham hosted Brooke on Saturday and, after being asked to bat first, the rain set in and the game reduced to 40 overs per side.

Town started steadily with Ian Harrison (28) and Josh Stuart (14) seeing off the new ball to build a platform for the rest of the side. Pat Yates (38) and Fletcher Coutts (51) put on 50 for the third wicket, but when Yates was run-out the innings could have gone either way.

Coutts continued to bat well, giving impetus to the innings, but it was the in-form Duncan Lanchester who against scored at more than a run-a-ball for 37 which took Town past the 200 mark – a tough target on a slow pitch.

Brooke started well with the bat and Town must have thought luck wasn’t on their side when Addam Todd dislocated his shoulder in his bowling action, ably replaced, however, by Downham Town football manager Craig Dickson in the field.

Joss Stuart bowled the spell of the day taking four wickets for 26 runs, bowling both openers and taking three wickets in an over, turning the game in the process into Downham’s favour.

Wickets continued to fall with Hooton taking the important one of overseas player Cebo Tshiki.

Numbers seven and eight for Brooke batted brilliantly with a 73-run partnership.

It took a brilliant catch from Coutts, diving to his left on the boundary, to dismiss Habershon, but the game still remained in the balance.

It was left to Rob Hooton to defend 15 off the last over, which he was able to do as Downham ran out winners by four runs.

A great game in which Downham held their nerve.

Tomorrow, Downham travel to Garboldisham hoping to build on their positive start.

Shire Foods MoM: Joss Stuart.

n In their game, Fakenham never looked back after bowling out their neighbours for 129, with Will Dunger taking 3-25 and Toby Hodd 3-13.

In reply, Luke Caswell finished unbeaten on 47 as a seven-wicket victory was secured in the 40th over.